Garrison Moore
Ben Lippen School
Garrison Moore, a senior, has attended Ben Lippen School since the sixth grade. Garrison is a multiple sport athlete — football, basketball and baseball — and excels both on the field and in the classroom. He is one of two National Merit Commended students at Ben Lippen School this year and is a member of the National Honor Society. His commitment to excellence has earned him the number one ranking in the senior class and academic awards in English, science and history. Garrison says, “staying busy and working hard in both athletics and academics has required focus and a strong work ethic, both valuable lessons for college.” Last summer, he was one of five students representing Ben Lippen School at Palmetto Boys State, which he believes helped him “grow as a more vocal leader.” Garrison appreciates the opportunity to attend a Christ-centered school and values the investment of his teachers and coaches over the last six years. He was also recently named to the SCISA 3A football all-state team for the second year in a row and served as a captain on Ben Lippen’s first state championship football team. Garrison plans to study biology or biomedical engineering in college.
Taylor Singleton
Northside Christian Academy
Taylor Singleton is a promising young leader in his community. He is president of the National Honor Society and his senior class. He is a recipient of the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. He is a talented musician and a Northside Christian Academt student athlete. Senior Taylor Singleton will readily admit to working hard to achieve excellence, but he also credits the NCA environment. According to Taylor, because NCA emphasizes knowing and loving God first, his growth in scholarship, character, leadership and service has been significant. “Strong faith grows when you are surrounded in an encouraging, Christ-centered environment,” states Taylor, who has been attending the school since 2014.
At NCA, Taylor feels important because the teachers and staff are intentional about building a relationship with each student. “The teachers are personable. They genuinely care about you,” says Taylor.
NCA is consistent in upholding a Christ-centered and biblically based world view. Being committed to the highest academic standards possible isn’t enough. NCA Crusaders understand biblical responsibility for being accountable to God. Taylor embodies what it means to be a Crusader. Unquestionably, Taylor is described by staff and peers as a young man with authentic integrity which influences his decisions and brings honor to Jesus Christ.
For a NCA project, Taylor joined fellow students in feeding the homeless in Columbia. This allowed him to put his faith into action and taught him a profound lesson in gratitude. “I learned not to take anything for granted,” says Taylor, “especially Him.”
“I’ve had a valuable experience at Northside. In addition to my family, NCA has helped to shape and prepare me for what God has next for my life.”
Corissa Fox
Heritage Christian Academy
Corissa Fox, a seventh grader, has attended Heritage Christian Academy since kindergarten. She attributes her success in the classroom to the challenging curriculum at Heritage and the individualized attention the teachers give to every student. Corissa made the Head Masters’ List and received Departmental Awards for Language Arts, Math, History, Latin and Science last year. She is well on her way to repeating the same success this semester. Corissa’s high standardized test scores have also slotted her as a Duke Tip Scholar. She believes the small class sizes and Christian fellowship at Heritage make the school a natural environment for success. Corissa plans to become a physician, but for now she enjoys competing in dance contests and hanging out with her Heritage classmates.
As Corissa looks to the future she also reflects on her time at Heritage. Corissa says she has benefited from her Heritage education because her teachers inspire her to do her best, and they genuinely care about their students. It’s that nurturing environment that Corissa says has helped her mature as an individual and has enhanced her love for Christ. She says, “the teachers feel like Aunts and Uncles, and the students like brothers and sisters. It just feels like one huge family. I love being a part of Heritage.”
Cam Tringali
Cardinal Newman
Cam Tringali is a role model not only in the classroom, but also on the field and in the community. “Cam has earned the respect of students, coaches, faculty and staff,” said Principal Jacqualine Kasprowski. “He has a reputation for being a man of God in his words and deeds. He treats everyone with respect, kindness and courtesy, and he appreciates the diverse talents and contributions of others.” Cam is a member of the National Honor Society and is on the Bishop’s Honor Roll, which recognizes students who earn a grade of 4.0 or higher on the Cardinal Newman grading scale. He has also had success in baseball and football, and he has earned honors in both sports. Cam plans to play baseball for the University of South Carolina. He is a member of the Spanish Club, Student Athletic Leadership Council, Cardinal Newman Dance Marathon Executive Board and is an executive board member for WINGS peer mentoring. In addition, he is a retreat leader and a school ambassador. Cam has earned the Cardinal Newman Character, Scholar Athlete and Spirit of Cardinal Newman awards numerous times. He is a member of Shandon United Methodist Church, where he is active as an acolyte/crucifer and is involved in youth fellowship activities.
Addison Reeley
Sandhills School
When current sophomore Addison Reeley arrived at Sandhills School, he battled the anxiety, frustration and discouragement often coupled with dyslexia. With superior intelligence and a strong work ethic, it felt disheartening to not perform academically where he believed he could. Sandhills understands these struggles and equips students with the skills necessary to be academically successful within the walls of Sandhills and beyond, despite a diagnosed learning difference. Addison attributes his now academic confidence and success to the Orton Gillingham approach to learning, because it provided him the academic tools necessary to become a strong student, articulate advocate for himself, and an avid reader. Being in a class of nine students allows for one-on-one instruction, as well as stimulating, multi-sensory lessons that enable Addison to learn information in a manner that is interesting, relevant, and meaningful. Addison also appreciates the many leadership opportunities that are offered at Sandhills, as well as the many opportunities to plan and serve through service learning projects. Addison continues to excel in the college preparatory program offered by Sandhills and has his sights set on Clemson University, where his two brothers who are Sandhills alums attend.
Jaylen Davis
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
“Jaylen Davis embodies the kind of young people we help develop at Heathwood Hall,” says Upper School Head George Scouten. “She is dedicated to her studies, broadly engaged in school life, and committed to making the world a better place.”
In addition to being an outstanding student who’s headed to the University of Pennsylvania next year, Jaylen is a talented athlete who has earned all-state honors in both track and volleyball and been featured as volleyball Player of the Week by WLTX and Player of the Year by SCISA. Her original scientific research has been published and won numerous awards. She was also invited to present her research nationally.
In her 14 years at Heathwood, Jaylen has made her mark as a member of the National Honor Society and the Accept Club, among many others, and as the 2016 Homecoming Queen. She is also a tireless volunteer who regularly helps with the homeless outreach program at her church.
Jaylen’s success is driven by her character, says her faculty advisor, Willis Ware: “Jaylen has established high standards for herself and believes the sky is the limit. She pays attention to detail and aims for perfection in her classwork and in athletics.”
Taylor Marie Doggett
Montessori School of Columbia
Taylor Marie Doggett, an alumna of the Montessori School of Columbia, attributes her voracious appetite for learning to the foundation she built during her years at MSC.
“There is absolutely no school that rivals it. The charming campus, the dedicated family of teachers— I leapt out of bed every day, eager to go to school. Eating carefully divided brownies during a lesson on fractions, initiating mock presidential debates on the playground as fifth graders, completing research projects in every grade…that kind of environment and encouragement of learning were incredible gifts given to my classmates and me during our time there.”
Taylor enjoys reading, volleyball, hiking, and water sports. After MSC, Taylor attended and graduated from Hammond School in Columbia. She is a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Honors Program, where she is studying Public Policy with a minor in Social and Economic Justice. After completing her degree, she envisions a long career fighting injustice in the United States penal system.
Anna Kate Gossett
Timmerman School
Anna Kate Gossett is an eighth grader at Timmerman School. She has been a student at Timmerman since she was 3 years old and currently serves as the student body president. “It is great to follow in my sister’s and mother’s footsteps as a Timmerman student body president,” says Anna Kate. Anna Kate is an active participant in drama and chorus at Timmerman and within the community. Because Timmerman has nurtured her love for music, dance, and drama, Anna Kate has had the privilege of performing at Town Theatre as Jane Banks in Mary Poppins, Flounder in The Little Mermaid, as well as roles in various other productions. She is excited to have the lead role at Timmerman’s upcoming spring performances of Annie and Hamlet-Zombie Killer of Denmark. Anna Kate feels that Timmerman School has prepared her for the rigors of high school. “Although I am sad to move on to high school, I will always cherish the countless memories I have made at Timmerman,” says Anna Kate. We can all expect great things in the future from this rising star.
Brad Lewis
Hammond School
Brad Lewis could be described as the typical Hammond student; however, he is anything but, and neither is the experience he has enjoyed at Hammond. A member of the Class of 2017, Brad has attended Hammond since kindergarten and availed himself of the wealth of opportunities the school has afforded him, and experienced success in the classroom, and on the stage and playing fields. What makes him a standout, however, are not his many accomplishments, but the way in which he has led by example, while turning adversity into opportunity.
The start of the school year found Brad, captain of the varsity football team, looking forward to an exciting athletic season, an impressive load of AP classes, singing at the Vatican with the Select Ensemble, and serving on the Headmaster’s Leadership Council. Following a gameday injury, he was sidelined for the remainder of the season and faced a situation he couldn’t change, but which would ultimately change his senior year.
Realizing he couldn’t be a leader on the field, he decided to find other ways to lead. He attended every game and as many practices as physical therapy would allow, all the while immersing himself in the wealth of opportunities Hammond provides. According to Brad, “What I value most about the Hammond experience is being able to try my hand at many different things, but not feeling as if I have to specialize at everything. When I graduate, I will miss the sense of family and the bonds I’ve formed with coaches, teachers, and students. That is what sets Hammond apart.”
